If you are the type of person who would shell out the extra cash for leather upholstery, you probably also want the best car leather cleaner and conditioner to keep it looking its best.
Leather car seats cost a premium, but they return that investment in the form of higher resale values. Of course, that’s only if the leather is in great condition. To keep it clean and looking fresh, invest in a quality car leather cleaner and conditioner.
The Best Car Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Leather Honey – Best Car Leather Conditioner
Leather Honey is a small, family-owned business that does one thing and does it well. They have been making this same formula of leather conditioner for five decades.
This conditioner contains no toxic chemicals and zero silicone. It is odorless, and it repels water and other liquids.
Unlike many newer products on the market, Leather Honey’s results can last for six months or more. If you are the type who hates auto detailing, this may be your product.
Pros:
- Contains no harsh chemicals to harm leather
- Can be used for any leather product (saddle, purse, baseball glove, etc.)
- Penetrates deeply for a long-lasting, supple finish
- Trusted product with a proven track record
- Leaves no slick surface residue or coating
Cons:
- Will darken uncoated leather, though original shade will return
- Does not clean effectively, another cleaning agent is required
- POWERFUL LEATHER CONDITIONER: Leather Honey penetrates deep to protect new leather and rejuvenate dry leather and old leather. This non-toxic leather conditioner has no silicone, solvents or animal products. Not sticky and completely odorless. Protect leather all year long from snow & rain with our water-repellant formula!
- RESTORE ALL TYPES/COLORS OF LEATHER: Soften leather furniture, moisturize leather car interiors & promote flexibility in your favorite leather belt or leather shoes. Great for upholstery, truck seats, motorcycle leather, boots, gloves, purses, jackets, saddles & tack! Not for use on suede, faux leather or vinyl.
- FAMILY-OWNED, AMERICAN-MADE, SPECIALLY FORMULATED: For over 50 years, we have been making the best leather care products, including Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, the #1 best-selling leather care product on Amazon. Use our leather conditioner with Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, also an Amazon best-seller!
- A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY: To apply, put a quarter-size drop of Leather Honey Conditioner on a Leather Honey Lint-Free Applicator Cloth. Spot test in a discreet area and allow test area to dry. Then completely coat your leather in a thin, even layer of conditioner. Use product at room temperature or warm slightly before use.
- UNLIMITED 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Our small family business has millions of happy customers. If you're not satisfied with any of our leather care products, simply return them for a full refund of your purchase price!
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Chemical Guys – Leather Cleaner and Conditioner (Kit) – Best Car Leather Cleaner
Chemical Guys makes many different car care products. Its Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Kit comes with one bottle of cleaner and one of conditioner.
The cleaner is effective, though it will require some soaking to remove stubborn stains. The conditioner requires no rubbing. You simply spray it on and leave it.
It is fortified with vitamin E, which revives aging, drying leather just as it does skin. This is a simple-to-use, water-based product that is good for all types of leather goods.
Pros:
- Provides a gentle-yet-effective cleaning
- Not as labor-intensive as many other products
- Water-based product not as harsh as some others
- Provides subtle leather smell
- Leaves no slippery residue
Cons:
- Not the most effective cleaner available
- Leather smell may be too subtle for some
- NOT JUST FOR AUTO CARE - The Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Kit is the perfect one-two punch to restoring leather - interiors, jackets, shoes, purses, furniture and more; everyone has something leather in their home, keep it looking & smelling it’s best.
- THE PERFECT COMBO - Cleaning and conditioning is crucial for leather to look its best: old leather dries out, cracks, and fades; dirty leather shines from body oil; when cleaned & conditioned, leather feels smooth & silky, and smells fresh and luxurious.
- CLEAN, THEN CONDITION - Leather Cleaner is pH balance, colorless and odorless; it penetrates the pores in leather to remove dirt and oils; Leather Conditioner, has a subtle leather scent & Vitamin E nourishes leather and helps reduce daily damage.
- MADE IN AMERICA – Leather Cleaner and Conditioner are proudly produced in the USA. We celebrate the happiness of clean cars each day in our Southern California headquarters as well as our Detail Garage retail store locations throughout the country.
- THE GO TO BRAND IN CAR CARE - Car lovers choose Chemical Guys, not only for the finest car care products, but the world class customer support and vast detailing knowledge Chemical Guys is more than a brand it's a lifestyle with a worldwide following.
- Restore smooth sleek feel to leather
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. 303 Leather Cleaner and Conditioner – Best Car Leather Protection for the Money
The 303 brand has long been a favorite of professional car detailers.
This all-in-one cleaner, conditioner and protectant is a bit newer to the market than the leather-care products that made the company famous.
While it may not last as long as some of the more expensive competition, it cleans and protects leather at a fraction of the cost.
If UV rays are your top concern, this may be the best car leather cleaner and conditioner for your needs.
Pros:
- Most effective UV protection available
- Simple-to-use, one-step process
- Matte finish with no residue
- Repels future dirt, grime and liquids
- Prevents cracking and fading over time
Cons:
- Requires reapplication every 6 weeks
- Watery and thin compared to some others
- 303 Automotive 3 in 1 Leather Complete Care is made in the U. S. A. and safely cleans, conditions and restores finished leather & vinyl to keep it looking new, longer
- Safe for any finished leather or vinyl surface such as finished leather seats, furniture upholstery, saddlery, footwear, coats, furniture, handbags, purses & briefcases, sports equipment and luggage. Not for use on suede or unfinished leather
- Contains superior UV protection to help prevent fading and cracking and keeps leather hydrated and moisturized. Rinse-free formula leaves a non-greasy feel, no odor and is non toxic
- Long lasting and maintains clean surfaces, this product will repel future dust, lint and stains. One treatment lasts up to 45 days
- For over 40 years, 303 Products have provided premium protection for your cars, boats, and beyond. All 303 Products are good for 2 years after the packaging date on the bottle – YYDDD
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Chamberlain’s – Leather Milk – Best Smelling Leather Conditioner for Cars
Chamberlain’s might be laying it on a little thick with the retro packaging, but there is no denying the effectiveness of these products.
The Liniment No. 1 conditioner has a creamy texture that stays in place and absorbs slowly, making messes less likely. The finish it leaves behind is as deep as they come, and the conditioner can perform light cleaning duty without the cleaner.
When leather is truly filthy, the Straight Cleaner No. 2 can get the job done.
Pros:
- Leaves behind that leather smell everyone is looking for
- Straight cleaner is impressively effective
- Conditioner is effective alone at light cleaning
- Strengthens leather’s interior fibers
- Leaves behind a deep, rich finish
Cons:
- More expensive than most competitors
- Can leave residue that is noticeable on darker leathers
- BEST COMBINATION TO CLEAN + CONDITION YOUR LEATHER - Does your leather need some TLC? Our two-formula combo is the perfect treatment kit to get rid of everyday dirt, oil spots, denim transfer and nourish and strengthen your leather, thereby prolonging its life. Imagine your leather looking clean and refreshed just like the day you bought it!
- PREMIUM CONSISTENCY THAT'S NON-STICKY AND EASY TO APPLY - Our formulas have a consistency that's not too thick and applies effortlessly and fast that will leave your leather feeling soft, supple, moisturized and alive. This will NOT make your leather look greasy or feel sticky like other products do. Plus, it is quick-absorbing therefore nourishing your leather without leaving any unwanted stain or residue.
- HOW IT WORKS - First apply our Straight Cleaner No. 2 which permeates leather with natural, non-alkaline cleaning agents and alcohols to gently clean your leather. Then, use our Liniment No. 1 to condition and restore the life and quality of your leather. All of our formulas are natural and great smelling for a safe, pleasant application.
- ONLY LEATHER CARE RECIPE TRUSTED BY SADDLEBACK LEATHER - Leather Milk is so good that it's the only recipe trusted by Saddleback Leather Company-- maker of some of the best looking, highest-quality leather goods you'll ever find. Each and every Saddleback Leather product is conditioned with Leather Milk before being shipped out to customers. Find out what Saddleback customers already know.
- TWO FREE REUSABLE COTTON TERRY APPLICATOR PADS - For best results, apply Leather Milk to the reusable applicator pad and rub thoroughly into your leather goods. We supply you with two cotton terry pads because we've found them to be the best applicator for leather goods and they're reusable so they cut down on environmental waste!
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Lexol – Leather Care Kit – Best Car Leather Protection
This cleaner and conditioner kit from Lexol is perfect for auto leather interiors, but it is great for many other leather products as well.
The cleaner has the identical PH as leather, so expect no strange reactions.
The conditioner is silicone-free, so it won’t degrade the leather’s condition over time. It also leaves no oily residue, so it’s great for leather motorcycle seats as well.
Pros:
- Complete kit for the cost of some conditioners alone
- Leaves behind no residue
- Can restore ignored leather to like-new condition
- One of the most effective cleaners available
- Included applicator cloths work wonderfully
Cons:
- Some find the odor pungent
- Can leave a tacky film if directions not followed precisely
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A Guide to Leather Cleaners and Conditioners
Car leather is almost always top-grain cow leather, meaning it includes the outermost layer of the animal’s skin. As such, this leather has a natural grain to it that is visible on the finished product.
The finest car interiors use full-grain leather in its natural form, cutting out any sections with blemishes or scarring on the skin. Less expensive car leathers keep the blemished sections intact to save production costs.
Those blemishes are then sanded or buffed out, and the leather is embossed with a faux grain. This corrected-grain leather is still usually of very high quality.
Regardless of the quality of the finished product, all leathers must go through a tanning process.
By far the most common tanning method for car seat leather is chrome tanning, in which the hides are soaked in a solution of chromium sulfate.
Some manufacturers use vegetable-tanned leather for secondary locations like instrument panels and steering wheels.
Vegetable-tanned leather is more pliable than chrome-tanned leather, but it is not as durable. If you are interested, this article in Car and Driver divulges the process of producing leather car interiors.
What Damages Car Leather
As it is a natural product, car leather is susceptible to damage. Some of the enemies of leather include water, ultra violet light, heat, low humidity and time.
To protect the leather, manufacturers usually coat it in a thin layer of perforated vinyl. The top coat shields the leather from UV light while still allowing it to breathe.
Unfortunately, some types of leather damage are irreversible, such as water damage. In this case, water seeps into the seat between the sewn seams of the leather panels that comprise the seat.
The underside of the leather is uncoated, so it absorbs the water. The resulting damage is permanent, and even the best product for cleaning leather car seats can’t help you then.
Other types of damage (even small rips) may be repairable, and most of it is completely preventable. That’s where leather cleaners and conditioners come into play.
What Cleaners and Conditioners Do
Leather cleaners are liquid chemicals that liquify the dirt and grime that collects in the grain of the leather and between the seams of the panels. Once it is liquified, the dirt is easily lifted with a clean, dry cloth.
Leather conditioners penetrate the surface layer of the leather, softening it and slowing the desiccation process that slowly breaks down the fibers in the leather.
How to Clean and Condition Leather Seats
Always vacuum the area to be cleaned before you begin using any cleaner or conditioner. Those little scraps of dirt and debris can scratch the vinyl coating once you begin rubbing in the conditioner.
Step two is to clean the area with leather cleaner. Typically, you will apply these products liberally, then wipe off the excess.
The final step is the application of conditioner. If the conditioner does not penetrate, the top coating is likely not perforated. It will break down over time, though, so try again in six months to a year.
This Chemical Guys video shows how to clean and condition leather seats.
Conclusion
The car care product industry is a crowded marketplace, making it hard for any product to stand out. However, Chemical Guys has a clear winner on its hands with its Leather Cleaner and Conditioner kit.
Sure, the cleaner is too gentle to erase the most stubborn stains, but when used regularly it gets the job done. The conditioner is second to none, though, and the subtle leather smell it leaves behind seems natural. Its competition is steep, but the guys at Chemical Guys have earned the title of best car leather cleaner and conditioner.
- All-in-one leather treatment cleans, conditions and protects for complete leather care in one easy step
- Gentle leather cleaners safely and effectively remove dirt and grime
- UV protection helps prevent premature aging, drying, cracking and fading
- Premium leather conditioners and aloe provide nourishment for soft, supple leather
- Non-greasy formula cleans and protects without leaving a white residue
- Mink oil for Waterproofing, conditioning, and preserving leather goods
- Ideal for leather boots, shoes, purses, jackets, hats, baseball gloves, saddles and harnesses
- The oil creates a WaterProof barrier against the elements and helps to protect leather by preventing Water, salt, and perspiration stains
- Easy to use and dries within minutes; may darken some leathers, test first in an inconspicuous area
- Resealable tin contains 3.5 ounces of mink oil; tin measures 3.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches and weighs 0.34 pounds
- NOT JUST FOR AUTO CARE - The Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Kit is the perfect one-two punch to restoring leather - interiors, jackets, shoes, purses, furniture and more; everyone has something leather in their home, keep it looking & smelling it’s best.
- THE PERFECT COMBO - Cleaning and conditioning is crucial for leather to look its best: old leather dries out, cracks, and fades; dirty leather shines from body oil; when cleaned & conditioned, leather feels smooth & silky, and smells fresh and luxurious.
- CLEAN, THEN CONDITION - Leather Cleaner is pH balance, colorless and odorless; it penetrates the pores in leather to remove dirt and oils; Leather Conditioner, has a subtle leather scent & Vitamin E nourishes leather and helps reduce daily damage.
- MADE IN AMERICA – Leather Cleaner and Conditioner are proudly produced in the USA. We celebrate the happiness of clean cars each day in our Southern California headquarters as well as our Detail Garage retail store locations throughout the country.
- THE GO TO BRAND IN CAR CARE - Car lovers choose Chemical Guys, not only for the finest car care products, but the world class customer support and vast detailing knowledge Chemical Guys is more than a brand it's a lifestyle with a worldwide following.
- Restore smooth sleek feel to leather
- Easily clean and condition leather to renew its appearance and prolong suppleness with this 2-step Lexol Leather Regimen Kit
- Kit contains: (1) 8 oz. bottle of All Leather Deep Cleaner, (1) 8 oz. bottle of All Leather Deep Conditioner, and 2 Premium Applicator Sponges
- Cleaner restores and revives leather by lifting dirt and oils, allowing them to be easily wiped away
- Conditioner contains fine oil droplets that nourish, restore flexibility, and protect leather against cracking without leaving greasy residue
- Easy-to-use cap dispenses, Ideal for use on: leather auto upholstery, footwear, furniture, handbags & briefcases, sports equipment and luggage
- KEEPS LEATHER LIKE NEW: Cleans and conditions all types of leather, including luxury leathers like vachetta and all varieties of exotics. Regular use will keep your bags and shoes free of dust, dirt, and stains. Our conditioner replenishes the natural oils found in leather and prevents drying, cracking, scratching, and splitting. Not for use on suede & nubuck leathers.
- SAFE FOR ALL COLORS: Our leather care products do not darken or alter the color of leather, allowing for safe use across all your leather goods! You shouldn’t have to sacrifice the shade of your leather to keep it in good shape and with Apple Brand products you don’t have to!
- TRUSTED BY THE PROFESSIONALS: Apple Brand has been recommended time and time again by some of the biggest names in fashion. If you have high end leather to clean and condition, Apple Brand is the trusted choice.
- USE WITH APPLE BRAND GARDE: While our conditioning cream helps protect your leather, our Apple Brand Garde gives your leather heavy duty protection against dirt, water, and stains of all types! Find it on Amazon with all of our other Apple Brand products!
- MADE IN USA - SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We are proud to keep all of our manufacturing and customer service in the USA and stand behind all of our products 100%. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your order please let us know and we will be sure to make it right!
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API